From backyard tables under the sun to community halls packed with laughter, you've shown up in the biggest way – cooking, hosting, rallying your people, all in the name of ending cancer.
If you were a new host or ten-tables-strong, it doesn't matter. Every table you set, every dollar you raised, is already changing the future for families facing cancer.
And now, for the moment we've all been waiting for...
Choosing this year's winners was no small task – the creativity, the effort, the sheer Forkstar energy was next-level from start to finish. So after plenty of deliberation (and more than a few aww moments and laughs along the way), we're thrilled to share your 2026 Fork Cancer Award winners!
TOP FUNDRAISERS
Honouring our top fundraisers who didn't just reach their goal they smashed right through it. This group of hosts raised outstanding amounts to support life-changing cancer research:
Sue Montgomerie – Pretty in Pink in Streaky Bay
$32,369
Myee Gill – The Longest Table at Sundown
$24,068
Michele, Darryl and Terena Pope – Lunch with the Popes
$20,439
Belle Lewis – Kick Cancers Ass
$15,402
Vera Roufogalis – The Legend
$12,563
snap & win
BEST THEME
Peace, love, and serious party planning – Karen Hugget brought Woodstock to life with a table full of retro flair, good vibes, and all the right details to transport her guests straight back to the '60s. It's proof that a great theme can turn any afternoon into an experience. Congratulations Karen – Best Theme goes to you!
BEST COSTUME
Top hats, teacups, and total commitment to the theme – Brenda Batson turned her table into a full blown Mad Hatter's Party, and the costume game was unforgettable. From the finishing touches to the finer details, she proved that going all in is what makes a Longest Table truly memorable. Congratulations Brenda – Best Costume is well and truly yours!
BEST PHOTO
Sunshine, mismatched chairs, and a table full of the people who matter most – Jen Kemp's backyard Longest Table captured everything this fundraiser is about. Simple, warm, and full of heart, it's the kind of photo that makes you want to pull up a chair yourself. Congratulations Jen – Best Photo is yours!
BEST MENU
One table wasn't enough for Ben Livera – he needed two! With delectable dishes, generous portions, and an even more generous community behind him. Ben proved that the way to a truly unforgettable Longest Table is through the stomach. Congratulations Ben – Best Menu goes to you!
TABLETOP TEAMWORK
SOCIAL MUMS CLUB BROADBEACH
Talk about strength in numbers – almost 70 women came together for the Broadbeach Social Mums Club Longest Table lunch raising an incredible $2,300 for cancer research. What an impressive show of teamwork – well done Social Mums Club Broadbeach you sure know how to rally your crew.
KNIGHT FRANK
Congratulations to Knight Frank for hosting their Ladies Luncheon. It was another fantastic event led by Rebecca and Bobbette raising over $3,000.
SENSATIONAL REGIONAL
GED O'CONNOR
Ged turned his regular Friday night get-together into something forking special throwing a good old-fashioned sausage sizzle at the Buxton General Store. With snags from the butcher, bread from the local baker, firewood from the local whiteant, and a mega raffle stacked with local business donations, Ged proved that country community spirit knows no bounds. Congratulations, Ged - you were Sensationally Regional!
FLOATING FUNDRAISERS
The Floating Fundraisers are back again, led by Geoff and once more they've raised the bar – this year auctioning off nothing less than Geoff's own head shave! It's this kind of go-big generosity, matched by a community that keeps showing up year after year, that makes the Floating Fundraisers Longest Table a regional highlight every single time. Congratulations Floating Fundraisers you truly were Sensational and Regional!
FORKING FABULOUS
ALKA JAIN
Alka went all in – creating giant forks and masquerade masks to honour her sister and father, turning her table into a heartfelt (and seriously stylish) family affair.
JULES HOLMES
From custom tees printed for free by a local supporter, to a jam-packed auction, 50 raffle prizes, a $500+ odds-and-sods table, live piano sing-alongs, and a memory board full of love – Jules and the Alexandrina Lifestyle crew didn't just host a table, they threw a whole community celebration.
BASIL HETZEL INSTITUTE
Led by Imogen and Carly, the Basil Hetzel Institute team brought their iconic rhino into the spotlight – literally – covering it in photo props for a table that was equal parts science, spirit, and staff-wide teamwork.
LOYAL FORKSTARS
In recognition of our incredibly Loyal Forkstars - the hosts who set the table year after year, spreading love, laughter, and hope for four years or more.
Annette Papaluca
Mel Wittwer
Karen Calcutt
Elaine Bozanich
Thank you for your continued support and commitment to #ForkCancer!
OUR WONDERFUL AMBASSADORS
Hayley & Lauren – Adelady
Brenton Jolly
Greer Tappert
Kathryn Hudson
Trish Fuss
Nancy & Vince - LiViN Podcast
Leah Baylis & Ali Clarke
Thank you to all of our Forkstars for making this year one of our best yet. We are continually blown away by your creativity, generosity, and the sheer heart you bring to every single table.
Every fork, every dollar, and every story you share brings us one step closer to a future free from cancer, and for that, we cannot thank you enough.
And congratulations to all of you - our incredible Fork Cancer Award winners! Here's to another year of forking fabulous fundraising. 💛
JOIN US AT THE TABLE NEXT YEAR & #FORKCANCER!
Photo credit: Elliott Thompson – EllShots and Andrew Beveridge – aSBCreative Photography
